Oakland Raiders Defense Ready for Baltimore Ravens

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Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans receiver Tajae Sharpe (19) attempts to catch the ball over Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Sean Smith

Cornerback Sean Smith had the roughest go of it of them all to start the season. On opening day, the New Orleans Saints lit him up like a Christmas tree. Brandin Cooks Michael Thomas and Willie Snead all put their work in on him during the game.

His undoing on those plays was his lack of eye-discipline at the line of scrimmage. At 6’3″, 215 pounds and long arms, Smith depends on his ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage. But he went for the head and shoulder fakes, causing him to miss his jam.

And he is especially hopeless against a sprinter like Cooks once he misses his jam. The all important eye discipline for a cornerback is watching his hips. He shouldn’t watch anything else because a human being can only sprint in the direction his hips are pointed.

He was better against Julio Jones and the Atlanta Falcons but he didn’t get the help inside he clearly expected. Then he looked like himself again against the Titans, allowing catch on seven targets. With a catch (INT) himself that day, his confidence is back for the Ravens.

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